Apparatus for handling and decorating articles of manufacture



APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Oct. 26,. 1937. L. v. CASTO ET AL Filed Nov; 2, 1936 ll Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS Gum a Van h eer/v,

Oct. 26, 1937. L. v. CASTO ET AL APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed NOV. 2, 1956 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 9 ATTORNEY$ Oct. 26, 1937. L. v. CASTO ET AL 2,096,731

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE 5 OF MANUFACTURE ll Sheets-Sheet 4 L. V. CASTO ET AL APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLE Filed Nov. 2 1956 Oct. 26, 1937.

INVENTORS :1 [4691/0 fiu/a a Van MAW-0, M/a Mf/amani, d dr /M92 A l'ny 2542-4, WM a 2m A ORNEY5 Oct. 26, 1937.. L. v. CASTO ET AL APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed NOV. 2, 1956 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 26, 1937. v, c s o AL 2,096,731

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed Nov. 2, 1936 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEYS Oct. 26, 1937. L. v. CASTO ET AL APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed Nov. 2, 1936 ll SheetsPSheet 7 mm Mm e WWW fm mmw 6H1- Z Z M M MM 4 MW 15 M a a Oct. 26, 1937. L. v CASTO ET AL ,096,731

APPARATUS FOR HANDLINGAND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed Nov. 2, 1936 11 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTORS L/q a 1462:7 0 fu/a a wn M6997, BY [Ea/ward M hdmdn z, & dr /W! 22 my ATfORNI-IYS Oct. 26, 1937. L. v. CASTO El AL 2,096,731

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed Ndv. 2, 1936 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 Oct. 26, 1937. v. CASTO ET AL 2,096,731 APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed Nov. 2, 1936 11 Sheets-Sheet 1o Oct. 26, 1937. L. v. CAS'TO ET AL APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORATING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE Filed Nov. 2. '1936 ll Sheets-Sheet 11 1N VENT 0R5 L/a d 1 41/ 5M1: Van Weber/1, BY ia n dlr/ M l /dmanf g arw /l DAV/ 15 ATTORNEYS 6J4, MM

Patented Oct. 26, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DECORAT- ING ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE tion of Michigan Application November 2, 1936, Serial No. 108,698

30 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for decorating surfaces, and particularly for decorating elongated surfaces which have a transverse sectional contour deviating from a common plane. The present invention is an improvement on that shown, described and .claimed in our copending application for Letters Patent filed August 29th, 1935, and assigned Serial No. 38,358. Further, the present invention also is concerned with the decoration of elongated surfaces which, prior to their decoration, have been formed into various articles of manufacture, such as window frames and the like. These, therefore, are the general objects of the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for decorating the internal surfaces of open frames, such as sheet-metal automotive window frames and the like, even though the sectional contour of the surface to be decorated deviates at different points throughout the length of the frame.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus for the application of a decorative coating to the exposed surfaces of frames, such as automotive frames, in an expeditious and economical manner and in such a way that the minor variations between the different frames of supposedly identical formations due to present-day production methods of manufacture will be compensated for in the decorating mechanism, to the end that distortion of decoration applied to such frames will be maintained at a minimum. It is likewise an object of the present invention to provide a decorating apparatus which will eflicie'ntly apply a decorative coating to articles of manufacture, so that there will be no perceptible joint in the applied design or pattern at any part of the work, and in such a manner that any unevenness in the work will be compensated for during the decorating process, to the end that distortion of the decoration will be maintained at a minimum, and retouching operations practically eliminated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorating mechanism or apparatus in which an operator may position an article to be decorated, such as a frame, and which apparatus, through a conjoint positive movement or manipulation of both article to be decorated and decorating mechanism, will cause a design to be imparted to an exposed surface of an article with a minimum amount of distortion.

A further object includes the novel arrangement in a work-decorating machine, of a mechanism for supporting and positively moving the work, in such a manner that it may coact with a surface decorating mechanism to effect a decoration of the article by an offset printing mechanism. Many features of the mechanism which coact to minimize the distortion of the applied impression and to expedite the decoration of the article will be hereinafter brought out.

Likewise, other objects and features of this invention will become apparent from the following description, relating to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred forms of mechanisms for carrying out the invention. The essential features of the invention will be summarized in the claims.

The mechanisms illustrated in the drawings have been especially adapted for the decoration of frames. The mechanism shown in the drawings is especially adaptable for the application of a decorative coating to metallic frames, such as sheet-metal automotive vehicle window frames. However, it is obvious that many other types and shapes of articles may be decorated fully, as well with the mechanism as shown (for instance, U-shaped articles, elongated strips and, indeed, an endless number of articles of manufacture, other than those having continuous surfaces, such as frames). In Figs. 1 to 19, we have shown the mechanism as adapted to apply a decorative treatment to the article to be decorated by means of an offset printing process. In Fig. 20 we have shown a modified form of the invention, which comprises the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 19, with printing mechanism removed and a'mechanism for applying a polishing material substituted therefor. This polishing mechanism comprises a mechanism for the application of a coating of polish to an article which has been decorated by means of the mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 19. In all forms of the invention, however, it will be noted that,

the work is decorated by the application of a coating thereto. Likewise the work is handled and moved in a predetermined manner by a positive driving mechanism, which 'cooperates in timed relationship with. a decorating unit, the actual decorating member of which contacts with the work to apply a decorative coating thereto. The decorating member is positively rotated relative to the work, and in no instance is the movement of the work dependent upon the movement of the decorating member for its motive power.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation of our improved surface decorating machine; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine, as viewed from the right-hand side of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section through the decorating unit, as indicated by the line 3-3 on Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a transverse sec tional detail, the plane of the section being indi= cated by the lines 4-d on Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional detail, through the decorating unit, the plane of the section being indicated by the lines 55 on Fig. 3; Fig. 5A is a diagrammatic illustration of the relative positions of the decorating unit and workholder guides during the decoration of the ,work; Fig. 6 is a horizontal section, illustrating the work-handling apparatus, the plane of the section being indicated by the lines 6@ on Fig. 1; Figs. 7 and 7A are sectional details on a greatly enlarged scale, the plane of the sections being indicated by the lines l'l and IA-7A on Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a detail, partly in section and on a greatly enlarged scale, of a portion of the work-supporting fixture, as viewed from the bottom; Fig. 9 is a sectional detail, on the same scale as Fig. 3, the plane of the section being indicated by the lines 99 on Fig. 3; Fig. 10 is a section indicated by the lines |Ii|li on Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a sectional detail of a scraping apparatus for removing excess color from the pattern roll and transfer belt, the plane of the section being indicated by the offset lines I |-li of Fig. 5; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the brackets which carry transfer belt supporting rolls of the decorating or graining unit; Fig. 13 is a sectional view on a greatly enlarged scale, illustrating the normal relationship between the offset web and its foremost supporting roll; Fig.

14 is a front elevation of a modified form of our device, certain parts being broken away to more clearly illustratethe internal construction thereof; Fig. 15 is a section, similar to Fig. 3, but taken through the modified form shown in Fig. 14, the plane of the section being indicated by the lines |5-|5 on the latter figure; Fig. 16 is a sectional detail, the plane of the section being indicated by the lines |6-|6 on Fig. 15, the scale of the fig-- ure being somewhat larger than that of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a. horizontal section, similar to Fig. 5, but taken through the modified form of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 14, the plane of the section being indicated by the lines I'l|'| on Fig. 14; Fig. 18 is a section similar to Fig. 9, but taken through the modified form of the device, the plane of the section being indicated by the lines |8-|8 on Fig. 15; Fig. 19 is a sectional detail on a greatly enlarged scale, the plane of the section being'indicated by the lines |9--|9 on Fig. 15; Fig. 20 is an illustration of a. device shown in either Figures 3 or 15, arranged, however, to polish the decorated workpiece by applying a coating of polishing material thereto; Fig. 21 is a fragmentary view of a. modified form of mechanism for manually driving the workholder to position the work and workholder prior to the decoration of the work; Figs. 22 and 23 are sectional details, as indicated by the correspondingly numbered lines on Fig. 21.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 13 and especially to Fig. 1, the mechanism therein .shown is supported by a frame l0, provided with a bed or table II, supported by suitable legs l2, which are interconnected by cross-frame members, such as indicated at l3. Secured to the frame l0 and rising thereabove is a vertically extending column I4, supporting a superstructure l5, as will be hereinafter more fully described. The table II supports the. work, indicated at W, and the superstructure |5 supports a work-decorating mechanism proper, which is generally indicated at 23.

Work supporting mechanism The table, together with the work-supporting mechanism, is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 6. As there shown, the table comprises a planular surface II, which supports a work-holding fixture 2 I, in such manner that the fixture is free to swing in controlled directions depending upon the shape of the work, while being positively driven. The embodiment of the invention illustrated is especially adapted for decorating the exposed surfaces of frames, such as metallic frames which are in general use at the present time in automotive vehicles. Such a frame is indicated at W in Figs. 6 and 7, and it will be noted that the frame comprises a hollow, substantially rectangular member, the cross-section of which is hollow, as indicated in Fig. '7. Generally such frames are provided with an outwardly extending clip or flange WI, which, when in use on an automotive vehicle, overhangs the frame of the body of the vehicle. As shown in the drawings, the frame is positioned on a workholder 2|, with the overhanging flange W2 of the work W loosely seated on an upwardly extending portion 22 of the workholder, for purposes which will be explained. Said portion is arranged to support the work throughout its entire length, and so arranged that the inner vertically extending surface 23 of this workholder substantially engages an external vertically extending surface W3 of the work, being spaced a comparatively small distance therefrom to permit the work to float, to a small degree, in the workholder. If desired, the bottom surface of the workholder 2|, may be provided with inset steel balls (not shown) to ride on the fiat surface of the table and reduce the friction between the table and the workholder to a minimum.

Workholder drive The workholder 2| is positively moved or slid across the surface of the table for purposes hereinafter described. As indicated in Figs. 3, 7 and 8, the workholder is provided with a rack 3|! arranged to be engaged by a sprocket wheel 3|, drivingly carried by a shaft 32 mounted in a frame bracket 33, and driven as hereinafter more fully described. The rack comprises a. continuous roller chain carried in an angular recess 34, formed in the inner wall of the workholder. Certain links 35 of this roller chain are provided with outwardly extending lips 36, which are secured to the workholder by studs 31, thereby securing the chain or rack in a fixed position relative to the workholder.

The work carried by the workholder is maintained in cooperating relationship with the decorating or graining unit by a pair of rollers which engage the workholder. One of these rollers, namely, the roller 38, is rotatably mounted on the shaft 32, above the sprocket 3|, and coacts with a wearing band 39, rigidly fixed tothe inner wall 22 of the workholder. The workholder is maintained in contact with the roller 38, and the rack 30 is maintained in meshing engagement with the sprocket 3| by the second roller, namely, the roller 40. The roller 40 is rotatably mounted on a spindle 4| carried by a. bracket 42.

The bracket 42, which supports the roller 40, as heretofore mentioned, is movably mounted on the table II to permit the workholder to be readily replaced, as well as to permit adjustment of the pressure of rollers on the workholder. As indicated in Fig. 3, the bracket 42 is slidable in a guideway 44, formed in a stationary frame bracket 45. The outermost end of the bracket 42 is provided with a groove 45, which is engaged by an annular flange 41 of an adjusting screw 48, which is threadingly mounted in the bracket 45.

The sprocket 3| is positively driven to progress the work. To this end the sprocket is secured to the shaft 32, to which a bevel gear 50 is also secured. The gear 50 constantly meshes with a bevel gear 5|, drivingly secured (Figs..1 and 3) to a shaft 52;"journalled in suitable brackets 53 beneath the table II. Pinned to the shaft 52 (Fig. 1) is one member 540i a jaw clutch, the other member 55 of which is splined to a shaft 56, which, as shown in the drawings, is in axial alignment with the shaft member 52.

The shaft 56 is provided with a sprocket 58,

which is connected by a drive chain 5'! with the driving shaft 59 of a speed reduction unit 60, the driven shaft SI of which is drivingly connected by a belt 62 with a pulley 63 carried by the armature shaft 64 of a motor M mounted on one of the cross-frame members I3, as indicated in Fig. '1.

Referring now to Fig. 6, wherein we have illustrated a plan view of the table and workholder, it will be noted that as the sprocket 3| progresses the workholder, the latter will swing or rock about the axis of the sprocket, and when the sprocket passes from one relatively straight line internal surface of the workholder to another suchsurface, and those portions of the workholder remote from the sprocket will travel faster than when the workholder progresses in substantially a straight line. At times, due to the change in the rate of travel, the workholder is apt to leave the surface of the table II. As this would distort the design and possibly damage various parts of both the work progressing and decorating mechanism; there is provided a mechanism to coact with the workholder and maintain it in contact with the table II. For this purpose,'there is secured to the right-hand de of the table II (Fig. 6) a post 43, to which in turn is secured one end of a flexible belt 65. This belt frictionally engages the external surface or surfaces of the workholder adjacent the table and-passes forwardly from the workholder around a pulley 66, journalled on a stud 61 carried by the table, and thence rearwardly to a spring 68, which is adjustably secured to the table by a block 69. This arrangement, due to the frictional engagement-between the belt and the surface of the workholdenand the constant pressure of the belt on the workholder causes the workholder to progress smoothly and evenly.

To retard the shock of the' workholder as a surface thereof, such as, forinstance, surface 22a in Fig. 6, swings into a position parallel with the foremost edge of the table II, and to maintain such edges of the workholder substantially parallel with the front edge of the table, except during such time as the workholder is swinging around the axis of the shaft 32 to enable the decoration of the internal corner of the work, the table is provided with an abutment I0. As shown in Fig. 6, the abutment II! comprises an elongated block preferably of wood, which is pivotally mounted at its extreme left-hand end on a stud II carried by the table and at its righthand edge abuts a resilient cushion, such as, for instance, a rubber block 12, as indicated in Fig. 6.

Decorating unit support The decorating unit 20 overhangs the table II and is mounted to permit it to be adjusted relative to the table II to facilitate the decoration of various articles by the same decorating mechanism. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the decorating unit 20 is mounted on a carriage 99, which is supported by a shaft I00, carried by a bracket IIII, which is mounted onthe column I4. The decorating unit is arranged to rock about the axis of the horizontally extending shaft I and is secured 'in angular position relative thereto by suitable bolts I02. The shaft I00 is in turn mounted within the bracket IIII for axial sliding movement, and when properly positioned may be secured against further axial movement by clamping bolts I03. v

The decorating unit also is swingable about the vertical axis of the column I4. As shown in the drawings, the column I4 rises above the table II and has mounted therein an axially ext/ending sleeve I05, which is adjustably secured to the column by suitable clamping screws I06. The sleeve I rises some distance above the column I4, and provides an axle about which the bracket IIII, together with the decorating unit 20, may be swung as a unit. To facilitate the swinging movement of the decorating unit, there is interposed, between the upper surface of the column I4 and the lower surface of the bracket M, an anti-friction bearing I68.

Referring now to Fig. 2, it will be noted that the bracket IIH is provided with a slot I69. Secured to the sleeve I95 and projecting outwardly through the slot I09 is an ear III, arranged to be engaged by oppositely facing screws H2, carried by lugs I I3 formed on the bracket I0 I. Thus, the angular position of the decorating unit relative to the axis of the sleeve IBI, may be accurately adjusted by manipulation of the set screws H2.

The decorating unit 20 is mounted on the carriage 90 for movement toward and away from the table II, that is, for movement in a direction tangential to the shaft I08, thus permitting the decorating unit to be moved substantially universally relative to the table, whereby workpieces of various sizes and shape may be conveniently decorated and also permit the decorating unit to be adjusted relative to the work to obtain the most advantageous impression.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the decorating unit 20 is mounted on a frame I26, to which is secured a plurality of rollers I2I, I22 and I23, arranged to engage the top, edge and bottom surfaces of a pair of gib members I24, which are secured to the carriage 90.

The mechanism is so arranged that the decorating unit' may be manually positioned rela tive to the carriage. To this end, a rack I25 is secured to the frame of the decorating unit and is engaged by a gear I25, rigidly secured to a shaft I21, journalled in the carriage 90. This shaft is provided with a handwheel I28, to enable the operator to conveniently rotate the shaft when desired.

The decorating or graining unit is counterbalanced, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, by counterweights I29. These weights are secured to one end of a flexible cord I38, which passes around suitable pulleys I3I and I32, carried by the frame I 0 and the carriage 96, respectively, and is attached at its other end to the frame I20, as indicated at I33.

Decorating unit The decorating un t, best shown in Figs. 1 to- 15 inclusive, will now be described. This form of decorating unit comprises a graining mechanism, that is, a mechanism especially adapted to transfer a design from a pattern to the work by an offset printing process.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 3 and 5, it will be noted that the graining unit is provided with a. pattern cylinder I40, an inking unit I, which suppl es ink 'to the pattern cylinder, an offset printing member n the form of a transfer web I42, which transfers the pattern from the pattern roll I40 to the work W, together with a scraping mechanism I43, which'removes the excess ink from the pattern prior to its transfer to the oflset'web and removes any ink remaining on the offset web subsequent to the transfer of the pattern therefrom to the work.

Pattern cylinder and drive therefor The pattern cylinder is secured to a shaft I45. which is journalled in the frame I20, and is constantly rotated by the motor M. As shown, a gear M1 is secured to the pattern cylinder shaft I 46 and is in constant meshing engagement with a. gear I48, journalled on a stub shaft I48, carried by the frame I20. Rg dly secured to the stub shaft at its upper end is a bevel gear I50, in constant meshing engagement with a bevel ear I5I, carried by a. transverse extending shaft I52. At its forward end this shaft is mounted in a bracket I53, which projects upwardly from the decorating unit frame I 20, and at its rearmost end is splined to a bushing I44, which is in turn journalled in a bracket member I45, depending from the carriage 90. Driv n ly secured to the bushng I44 is a a bevel gear I54, which is in constant meshing engagement with a bevel gear I55, rigidly secured to a relatively vertically extend ng shaft I55, to which is also secured a bevel ed gear I51. This latter gear constantly meshes with a bevel gear I58, which is drivingly secured to a stub shaft I59, carried, as shown in F g. l. in a. bear ng I60, which projects upwardly from the carriage 90.

The shaft I58 is connected by a universal joint I6I. with a shaft I52. which has asplined connection I63 with a universal joint member I54, one member of which is journalled at I55 in a bearing carried by the bracket IN. The universal joint I64 is drivingly connected to a gear I66. which is n constant meshing engagement w th a gear I61. The gear I51 is drivingly secured to a shaft I58, journalled in suitable bearings within the sleeve I05. This shaft extends downward through the sleeve and is provided, at

,its lower end, with a gear I68, which is driven by a bevelled gear I10 secured to a shaft I1I, jouhalled in the frame I0. This shaft is driven by the driving shaft 58 of the gear reduction unit 50, heretofore mentioned, through the medium of spur gearing I12 and a. drive chain I13. Thus it will be seen, that inasmuch as both the pattern cylinder I40 and the work-progressing sprocket 8| are each positively driven'from the same source of power, they will operate in timed relationship with each other.

Inkinq mechanism The pattern cylinder I40 preferably carries an etched intaglio plate or cylinder 18 and is supplied with ink by the inking mechanism I. This inking mechanism is shown, described and claimed in Patent No. 1,997,612, issued to our assignee, Oxford Varnish Corporation, April 16th, 1935. Briefly, this inkins mechanism comprises a tube I80, in which is mounted a conveyor screw I8I the upper end of which is secured to a gear I82 arranged in constant meshing relationship with the pattern roll gear I 41, heretofore described. The lower end of the tube I80 projects into a reservoir I14, and is provided with a suitable opening I83, to permit ink to be drawn upwardly by the screw from the reservoir. The tube I80 is positioned adjacent and parallel with the surface of the pattern 12, and near its upper end is provided with a port I84. The ink drawn upwardly from the reservoir I14 is thus fed out of this port, and falls downwardly along the pattern 18. An opening I38 in the tube 80 affords a pressure relief for the ink.

Scraper mechanism The ink is spread and the excess removed from the cylinder I40 by the scraper mechanism I43. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 11, the scraper mechanism comprises a pair of doctor blades I85 and I85, the former coacting with the pattern 18 and the latter 'coacting with the transfer web I42. Each of the doctor blades is mounted to swing about the axis of a relatively vertically extending supporting shaft I81, carried by a bracket I88,

swinging both blades out of contact with their respective coacting elements.

Excessive wear on either the offset web I42 or the pattern 18 by the doctor blades I85 and I85 is-prevented by reciprocating the blades along the axis of the shaft I81. As shown in Fig. 11, the doctor blades I85 and I 88 slldingly embrace the shaft I81 and are normally urged toward the bracket I88 by a spring I85 interposed between the uppermost blade and an enlarged head formation I88 of the shaft. Slidably mounted in the. bracket I88 are a pair of pins I81, which are carried by a block I88, slidingly embracing the lower end of the shaft I81. A roller I88, carried by the block, engages a lever 200, pivoted as at 20I to the lower frame member I20 of the decorating unit. This lever is rocked by a cam 202', carried by a gear 203, which engages a roller 204 carried by the lever. The-gear and cam unit 202202 is rotatably mounted on a stud 205 carried by the frame member I20 and is driven by a gear 205 secured to the lower end of the pattern cylinder shaft I45.

The ink removed by the scrapers I85 and I 88 falls by gravity onto the lower frame member I20 (Fig. 3) and through suitable openings I93 therein into a pan I94, from where it is returned to the reservoir I14 by a pump mechanism generally indicated at I15.

Ink circulating system H8, and is normally closed by a ball H9 slightly less in diameter than the internal diameter of the tube II4. A spring I34 normally maintains the ball H9 in its lowermost position. The lower tube II slidingly embraces the tube H4 and its lower end is normally closed by a spring-pressed ball I35. When, however, the tube II5 is'raised relatively tothe tube I I4, ink trapped between the two balls I I9 and I35 forces the ball I I9 upwardly, compressing the spring I34, permitting such ink to enter the tube I I4. When the tube I I5 is moved downwardly relative to the tube II4, the spring I34 causes the ball II9 to close the passageway between the tubes H4 and H5, and causes a partial vacuum to be formed in the tube II5. When, however, the ball I35 engages the bottom wall of the pan I94, this partial vacuum causes the ink in such pan to flow into the tube II5. Thus, it will be seen that constant reciprocation of the tube II5 relative to the tube I I4 will cause the inkto be drawn upwardly from the pan I94 and returned to the reservoir I14.

The pump tube H5 is reciprocated by the cam 202, heretofore described. As illustrated in Fig. 11, the tube H5 is connected by a link I36, with one arm of a bell crank I31, the other arm of which is provided with a roller I38, which is maintained in constant engagement with the cam 202 by a spring. 1

Pattern transfer mechanism The transfer member or belt I42 is best illus trated in Figs. 3, 5, 10, 12 and 13. As there shown, the belt is supported or looped about a pair of rollers 14 and 15. The roller 14 is supported in a bracket formation 16 by a pair of stub shafts 11. The roller 15 is supported by a shaft 18, which is journalled in a yoke 19. This yoke is pivotally connected as at 80 to the bracket 16, the arrangement being such that the yoke 19 may be swung about its pivot to adjust the distance between the two rollers 14 and 15, thereby adjusting the tension of the transfer belt I42. A clamping screw 8I (Fig. 12) passes through an arcuate slot 82 in the bracket 16 and threadingly engages the yoke 19 to secure the yoke in position relative to the bracket, thereby maintaining the transfer belt in adjustment.

The transfer belt is adjustable toward and away from the pattern roll to regulate the pressure therebetween and thereby secure the most advantageous removal of the ink design from the pattern. To this purpose, the bracket 16 is provided at its upward end with a T-shaped head 83, the edges of which are formed to coact with a dovetailed slot 84, formed in the upper frame member I20 of the graining or decorating unit, thus permitting the transfer belt, together with the two rollers to be moved toward and away from the pattern roll to adjust the pressure. therebetween, as desired. An adjusting screw serves to maintain the bracket in an adjusted relationship.

The transfer belt is positively driven from the stub shaft in timed relationship with the work progressing sprocket 3|. As shown in the drawings, a gear 06 is drivingly secured to the gear I48, heretofore described. This gear 86, through the medium of an idler gear 81, drives a pinion 88, which is secured to the upper supporting shaft 11 of the foremost graining roll 14. To facilitate adjustment of the bracket belt I42 toward and away from the pattern without disturbing the driving connection to the roll 14, the idler gear 81 is mounted on a stud 89 (Fig. 3), and is arranged to be adjustably positioned in an arcuately extending slot 92, in such frame member by a cap screw 9 I The frame member I is provided with a slot I04, (Figs. 9 and 10) to permit movement of the shaft I1.

Transfer belt The transfer belt I42 is a continuous looped belt or web. As shown in Figs. 10 and 13, the belt is provided with a base 93, formed of a material such as latex or composition rubber, to which is secured a transfer material 94, such as the usual glue and glycerin compound ordinarily used for transfer members in offset printing processes. It will be noted that the roller 15, which guides the belt I42 into contact with the pattern I40, is provided with a smooth cylindrical surface which maintains the web in even peripheral contact with the pattern. However, the roller 14, which supports the belt for contact with the work W, while being generally cylindrical in form, is peripherally indented or grooved, as at 95 (Fig. 13) in general conformance with the contour or configuration of the work W. The roller 14 has ribs 96 at each side of the central depression, which ribs cooperate with the belt material to deter the slippage of the belt axially on the form roll. Preferably, both ends of the roll are bevelled as at 91 to retard the flow of color along the roll. Referring to Figs. 3 and13, it will be noted that the belt is under considerable tension at each side of the work-contacting surfaces and that this tension is gradually reduced toward the region of contact with relatively high portions of the work. Normally, that is, when out of contact with the work, as shown in Fig. 13, the belt does not rest on the undercut surface 95 of the roll 14. It has been found that the belt will decor-ate such relatively raised and receded surfaces of the work with substantially no distortion of the image or pattern, and since the loop of the belt passing over the roll 14 is carried into the V-shape, unusually sharp curves may be decorated without distortion of the image, all in part of a continuous operation with no slowing down or speeding up at the rounded corners relative to the straight edges of the work. I

The transfer belt shown in the drawings has been especially arranged for use with a grooved roller, such as the roller 14, and a true cylindrical roller, such as the roller 15. As shown in Fig. 13, it is to be noted that there is disposed between the rubber or base layer of the belt and the composition or transfer layer of the belt a narrow, continuous, elastic band 98. This band serves to prevent separation between the rubber and the composition laminations of the belt at the point of greatest strain,-that is, at those regions where the belt is normally unsupported by the roll 14.

' region thereof into the annular recess 85 of the roll H.

General operation In operation, the operator manually positions the frame or workpiece W on the workholder 2| when the latter is in approximately the position indicated by the dotted line W in Fig. 6.

The operator then swings a'crank arm I16 to cause the work to be accurately positioned so that the application of the design may start at the same relative point on each workpiece. The crank I18 is secured to a shaft I11, suitably journalled in the frame I8 beneath the table II. On its inner end, the shaft I I1 is provided with a sprocket wheel I18, which, together with a sprocket wheel I19, supports a continuous looped chain 281 with its upper stretch disposed beneath a slotted opening 288 in the table I I. The swinging of the crank in a clockwise direction causes a lug 289 to project through the slot 288, engage the end of the workholder, and progress the workholder together with the work toward the right, until the lug is arrested by a stop 2 I8 which is adjustably positioned on the table II by a bolt 2| I. The movement of the work, due to the driving of the workholder by the sprocket 3|, causes or returns the chain lug to the full line position shown in Fig. 1, where it remains until again required to position a frame.

Before the decorating or graining unit is moved into contact with the work, the operator moves a shield 2I2 into contact with the work. After the fixture or workholder 2| and the shield 2I2 have been positioned to locate the point on the work, at which the decorating unit is to begin the actual decoration of the work, the handwheel I28 is rotated to move the graining unit downwardly and bring the transfer web into contact with the shield 2 I 2. As the hand wheel is rotated a lug 228 carried thereby engages a lever 22 I, Figs. 1, 2 and 4, rocking such lever about its pivot 222. This lever, through a link 223, rocks a lever 224 counterclockwise (Fig. 1) against the action of a spring 233. The lever 224 is secured to a rod 225, which is journalled in the frame l8 and is connected with a clutch rod 226 by a lever 221. The clutch rod is provided with a pair of collars 228, between which is slidably mounted an arm 229 of a bell crank, the other arm 238 of which rides in an annular groove 23I formed in the clutch member 55. A spring 232 is interposed between the collar 228 and the bell crank arm 229 and serves to transmit the movement of the clutch rod to the bell crank. The movement of the clutch member, due to the rotation of the hand wheel I28, as above described, causes the clutch member 55 to engage the clutch member 54, thereby initiating the rotation of the sprocket 3| and consequently progressing the work W.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that when the transfer web I42 first moves into contact .with the work, it first engages the shield 2I2,

but as the work is progressed, the transfer web rides out of contact with the shield and into contact with the work.- It will thus be seen that inasmuch as the work-progressing sprocket 3| and the transfer Web are accurately geared together, the same part of the design or pattern will be applied to each frame as the transfer web leaves the shield 2I2. The shield 2I2 likewise serves to prevent any smudging of the design as the transfer web is moved into contact with the work and it enables the printing pressure between the transfer web and the shield to be gradually increased until the desired maximum pressure is reached. Hence, when contact is made between the work itself and the transfer web, it willbe with the most desirable pressure.

As the work progresses, it swings in a clockwise direction (Fig. 6) and shortly before the decorating unit reaches that part of the work to which the design was initially applied, the shield 2I2 is automatically moved out of contact with the work, and a second shield 2I3 moved into contact with the decorated work. This permits the web to finish its impression with full printing pressure. After the transfer web has moved from the work onto the shield 2 I3, the hand wheel I28 is moved to withdraw the decorating unit and transfer web from contact with the shield. This again prevents smudging due to the varying of the pressure between the web and the work as the decorating unit is moved away from the table and likewise permits the application of the design through the entire length of the work, without necessitating an overlapping of the design at any point.

It will be noted, from Fig. 5A, that the axis of the transfer web supporting roller ll does not lie in a vertical plane passing through the axes of the workholder guiding rollers 38 and 48, but is offset therefrom. The amount of oilset has been exaggerated in the drawings. Actually, the distance is comparatively small. This offset enables frames having relatively small corner radii to be decorated without danger of distortion of the design which might otherwise result due to a wiping or slipping action between the frame and the decorating unit.

The inner periphery of the workpiece carrier 2|, relative to the surfaces of the workpiece W which contact with the carrier, is shaped to permit a restricted relative movement between the workpiece and the carrier during the printing Shield operating mechanism The shields 2I2 and H3 and their operating mechanism is best illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 7A.

The shields 2I2 and 2I3 are formed complemen-' tary to the work surface and are secured to re-' spective shafts 2M and 2I5, which are mounted in a bracket 2I6, carried by the workholder 2|. As indicated in Fig. '7, the shafts 2 I4 and H5 are geared together by gears 2H and 2I8, and it will be noted that the arrangement of this gearing is such that both shields may be moved to an intermediate position, as indicated in dotted lines on Fig. 7, to enable the frame to be removed or positioned on the workholder 2|.

The shields 2I2 and 2I3 are automatically operated to move the shield 2 I 2 from, and the shield 2I3 into, engagement with the work. This is accomplished by a cam 2I9, which is secured to the abutment bar 10, heretofore described. As the workholder progresses this cam strikes a lever 234, pivoted as at 235, to the bracket 2I6. The lever is provided on its inner end with a segmental gear 236, arranged to coact with a gear 231, drivingly secured to the shield shaft 2I4. The cam and gearing described is such that when the arm 234 engages the cam, the latter causes the shield 2I2 to be swung to the position indicated in Fig. 7A, and the shield 2I3 to be swung into a work engaging position.

Automatic operation Figs. 14 to 19, inclusive, show a modified form of mechanism. Many of the parts, however, are identical with those heretofore described in connection with Figs. 1 to 13, and such parts have been given the same reference characters. The

- modification provides a machine in which the movement of the decorating unit toward and from the work is entirely automatic, the arrangement being such that the only operation performed by the operator is the positioning and removal of work from the workholder 2I. The main difi'erence between the modifications shown in Figs. 14 to 19, is the manner in which the various mechanisms are driven. The work table and the graining or decorating unit 20 are substantially the same as heretofore described. The driving mechanism, however, as shown in Figs. 14, 15 and 18 and 19 differs from that heretofore described.

As shown in Fig. 14, the mechanism of the modified form of the invention is driven from the motor M, which, through the medium of a belt 62, drives a worm gear reduction unit 60, as heretofore described. In the modification, however, the driving shaft 59 of the worm gear reduction unit is connected by a drive chain 240, with a clutch member 24I, which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 242, journalled in suitable bearings carried by the'frame Ill. The clutch member MI is arranged to be selectively engaged by a clutch member 243, splined to the shaft 242 by a key 244. The clutch member 243 is selectively shifted into and out of. engagement with the clutch member 24I by one arm 245 of a bell crank which engages an annular groove 246, formed in the clutch member 243. The bell crank is pivoted to the frame In, as indicated in Fig. 19 at 241 and its other arm 238 is connected by a link 248, with a foot pedal 249, conveniently positioned for use by the operator. A spring 250 normally acts on the arm 238 of the bell crank to maintain the clutch members in active engagement with each other.

The extreme right hand end of the shaft 242 is connected by bevel gearing 25I, with a shaft 252, which extends vertically through the column I4. This column has, as shown in Fig. 14, a reduced sleeve portion 253, on which is journalled a bracket 254. The bracket 254, as shown in Fig. 14, supports a tubular member 255, to which the graining unit 20 is connected by suitable bolts 256. It will be noted that the tubular member 255 may be slid axially within the bracket 254 or may be rotated relative thereto, a clamping screw 251 being provided to secure the sleeve in an adjusted position. Extending through the tube 255 is a shaft 258, which is connected by bevel gearing 259, with the vertically extending shaft 252, heretofore mentioned. At its left-hand end the shaft 258 has a splined connection with a Modified workholder drive The workholder 2I is progressed by a sprocket 3I, in the same manner as heretofore described in connection with Fig. 3. In this instance, however, the sprocket is secured to a hollow shaft 265, the lower end of which is secured to a bevelled gear 266, arranged to constantly mesh with a bevelled gear 261, rotatably mounted on the power shaft 242, heretofore mentioned.

Reciprocation of decorating unit In this modification, the decorating unit 29 is automatically moved toward and away from the work. As shown in Figs. 15, 16 and 18, the graining unit frame I28 is supported in the housing or frame 90, in the same manner as heretofore described in connection with Figs. 1' to 13. In this instance, however. the decorating unit is reciprocated in the carriage 99 by a cam 212, which is mounted on a shaft 21I carried by the carriage 99, and operated from the gear 269 hereto-fore described.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 16 the cam 212 is provided with a cam groove 213, arranged to receive a roller 214, carried by an' arm secured to the frame I20 of the decorating unit, as will be hereinafter more fully described. The cam is arranged to move the decorating unit into contact with the work, retaining it there until the entire workpiece has been decorated, and then withdraw it. The cam may be replaced with other cams having a different cam contour, to enable Workpieces of different sizes and shapes .to be readily decorated by the same mechanism.

Decorating pressure The connection between the roller 214 and the frame I29 of the decorating unit is such that the decorating unit is resiliently urged into contact with the work, but is positively drawn out of contact therefrom. As shown in Fig. 16, the arm which connects the roller with the frame I29 comprises a pair of telescopically arranged members 215 and 216. The member 216 is secured to the frame I20, and has pin and slot connections 218, with the member 215. Interposed between the members 215 and 216 is a compression spring 219. This spring is arranged in such manner that when the cam rotates to move the decorat ing unit toward the work, the force is applied through the sprng. However, when the cam acts to withdraw the decorating unit from the I Automatic work drive As the decorating unit approaches the work,

under the influence of the cam 212, power is automatically applied to the sprocket 31, to advance the work. The arrangement is such that the sprocket 31 is rotated slightly before the graining unit strikes the work so as to insure the best possible impression.

As the graining unit approaches the work, the bracket 16, heretofore described, strikes the head 285 of a. plunger 286, which is slidably mounted in the hollow shaft 265 which supports the sprocket 31. Continued downward movement of bracket causes the plunger 286 to rock a lever 281 (Fig, 19) about its pivot shaft 280. Theglever 281, through a spring 290 interconnected betejenfthe lever 281 and a lever 291, rocks the latter lever about the shaft 288. The lever 291 coacts with an annular groove or recess 292, formed in a clutch member 293, which is splined to the shaft 242, as illustrated in Fig. 19. The downward movement of the rod 286 therefore causes the clutch member 293 to engage a clutch formation 294, carried by the gear 261, thereby causing the rotation of the work-progressing sprocket 31. A spring 295 (Figs. 14 and 19) serves to normally maintain the clutch members 293 and 294 disengaged, and to return the parts to their normal position consequent upon the movement of the graining unit 20 away from the work under the influence of the cam 212.

Cam drive The cam 212 is driven in timed relationship with the movement of the work and with the movement of the decorating web and the pattern roll. As shown in Fig. 18, the gear 260 heretofore described is loosely mounted on the shaft 261, but it is normally maintained in driving engagement therewith by the conical hub 300, of a handwheel 3111, which is mounted on a squared end 302 of the shaft 261. A clamp 303 is threadingly mounted on the shaft 261 and manually actuated to uncouple the gear 260 with the shaft, when desired. Drivingly mounted on the shaft 261 is a pinion 305, which meshes with one member 306 of a compound gear unit rotatably mounted on the shaft 263 heretofore mentioned. The other gear member 301 of the compound gear unit is in constant meshing engagement with a spur gear 308. The gear 308 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 261 and is in constant meshing engagement with a gear 310, which is drivingly secured to the cam 212. The gearing 305, 306, 301 and 308 provides the necessary reduction to permit the decorating unit to remain in contact with the work until the belt 142 has decorated the desired length of the workpiece.

The mechanism, just described, permits the operator to control the desired portion of the pattern which is to be applied first to the work. This is accomplished by operating the clamp 303 to disengage the driving connection between the gear 260 and the shaft 261 and thereafter rotating the handwheel manually, to change the relation of the cam to the design carried by the pattern roll. This is, of course, carried out while the main clutch 241, 243, is disengaged. When the proper cam is used, this adjustment, once made, will cause the same portion of the pattern to be applied to the starting point of each frame.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that we are able to decorate a series of articles with the same design, and in such a way that such design may be located'in substantially the same relative position on the workpiece, and wherein the only work required of the operator is to supply the machine with frames or workpieces.

Workholder guides In Figs. 15 and 17 we are illustrating a modified form of mechanism for retaining the workholder in contact with the surface of the worksupporting table 11. As there shown, the worksupporting table 11 is provided with a pair of diagonally extending slots 320. Slidably mounted in each of these slots is a block 321, provided as shown in Fig. 15 with a vertically extending pin 329 carrying anti-friction roller 322, arranged to bear against the outer periphery 323 of the workholder 21. Each pin 329 supports a second pin 330, which, as shown in Fig. 15, carries a roller 324, an'anged as illustrated in Fig. 15, to bear against a horizontal surface 325 of the workholder. Each roller 322 is maintained in contact with the workholders by a weight 326, secured to one end of a cord 321, which passes around a pulley 328, carried by the undersurface of the table 1 1, and is connected to the respective block 321, as indicated at 331. Theaollers 324 are maintained in contact with the workholder-by engagement of shoulders 332 of their respective blocks with the under surface of the table 11. When it is desired to remove the workholder from the table the blocks are drawn out of contact therewith by cords or cables 333 (Fig. 17) which pass from respective blocks 321 to a position where they may be conveniently grasped by the operator.

Polishing of work After the work has been decorated by the application of a design in color, through theuse of the mechanism heretofore described, the work is given a protective coating of wear-resisting clear lacquer or some similar substance, and

such coating polished by the application of a coating of polish while rubbing the article. We find it a decided advantage to utilize a mechanism constructed in such a manner 'that the operation performed thereby will simulate as closely as practical the operations performed during the application of the decorative coating. For this reason, the work-decorating mechanism is constructed in such a manner that a polishing unit is to be substituted for the decorating unit. Such a mechanism is shown in Fig. 20. As there shown, the decorating unit 20 has been removed from the carriage 90, and a polishing unit 25 has been substituted therefor.

The polishing unit is mounted in a frame 350, which is supported on the gibs 124 of the carriage by rollers 351, in the same manner as heretofore described in connection with the graining unit. Slidably mounted in the frame 350 is a roller assembly comprising rollers 14a and 15a. The roller 14a is mounted in a bracket 16a which is slidably mounted in the frame 350, as heretofore described in connection with the bracket 16 and the frame 120, similarly the roller 15a is rotatably mounted in a bracket member 19a. The rolls 14a and 15a are provided with peripheral grooves corresponding in shape to the contour of the work, as indicated in Fig. 20. These rolls support a polishing web 352,- which is moved into and out of contact with the work resting on the Workholder 21 in the same manner as the decorating unit of Fig. 15. The polishing web 352 is preferably driven at a comparatively high rate of speed. To this end we mount a motor 355 on the frame 350, and drivingly connect the roll 15a with this motor by a driving belt 356. Thus, it will be seen that we are able to polish the decorated work by a mechanism, the movements of which are substantially identical with the mechanism which was utilized to decorate such work. This, therefore, enables us to make the same provision for irregularities in the work as was done in the graining operation, thereby permitting the polishing of the protecting coating without damage to the decorated coating or without producing undesired light reflection eflects, due to variations in the work itself.

The polishing web or belt 352 is provided with a liquid polish. This polish is supplied by a pump similar to the ink recirculating pump I15, heretofore described. Such pump may be carried by the frame 350 and operated by a suitable cam carried by the carriage 90. However, a gravitational system, such as shown in Fig. 20, may be utilized. The latter system comprises a reservoir 35'! carried by the frame 350, and provided with a conduit or tube 358, to conduct the fluid to the polishing belt 325. A valve 359 may be inserted in the conduit 358 to control the amount of fluid supplied to the polishing belt.

In Fig. we have omitted from the frame 90 those parts which are unessential to the operation of the polishing mechanism. However, it is to be understood that such parts, as, for instance, the shaft I52 and its associated mechanism which normally serves to drive the graining rolls, may remain in position in the mechanism, as they have been omitted from Fig. 21, to simplify the drawings.

Work positioning mechanism In describing the general operation of the machine, one form of work positioning mechanism was described. Such mechanism moved the workholder in a direction opposite to its normal direction of movement to enable the decorating unit to be brought into contact with a predetermined point on the work. In Figs. 22 to 23 there is shown a modifiedform of such positioning mechanism. The operation of such mechanism is as follows: The operator places the work on the workholder, as heretofore described, and then, grasping a handle 45!], rocks it about a shaft 45l which is supported in axial alignment with the drive shaft 242, (Fig. 15). In grasping the handle, the operator depresses a lever 53, pivoted at 454 to the handle and forces a pawl 455, carried by the handle, intoengagement with a ratchet 456 which is drivingly secured to the shaft 45!. The rocking of the handle therefore imparts a rotary movement to the shaft 45l. A bevel gear 451, drivingly carried by such shaft 45l, and meshing with the bevel gear 266 (Fig. 15) transmits this movement to the shaft 265 and hence to the workholder driving sprocket 3|. Thus driving the workholder positively. The ratchet 456 is arranged to drive the mechanism so that the sprocket 3| will rotate in a direction which is opposite to its normal direction of rotation under influence of the motor drive mechanism, heretofore described. Thus enabling the operator to position the starting point of the application of'the decoration to the work, as desired. Suitable marks, as, for instance, lines 460 and 46l on the shield and the abutment 10, may be provided to facilitate accurate positioning.

We claim:

1. A work decorating machine having a frame provided with a work supporting surface, a support overhanging said surface and movable in substantially any direction in a plane parallel with the plane of the supporting surface, a work decorating unit including a printing mechanism depending from said support and having a pivotal connection therewith for movement in a plane extending normal to the plane of said surface.

2. A work decorating machine having a frame provided with a work supporting surface, a work progressing means carried thereby, a support overhanging said surface and movable in a plane parallel therewith, a work decorating unit including a printing mechanism depending from said support and including a rotary decorating memher, said unit having a pivotal connection with said support to permit movement of the workholder in a plane extending normal to the plane of said surface, driving means carried by said frame, and a power transmission mechanism interconnecting the driving means, the rotary member, and the work progressing means.

3. A work decorating machine, having a frame provided with means to support a workpiece, a carriage, a work decorating unit having a sliding connection with said carriage for movement in one plane, said decorating unit including a printing mechanism, a support for said carriage having a pivotal connection with said frame for movement about one axis and having a pivotal connection with said carriage for movement about an axis extending in a direction normal to the direction of first-named axis, and means to move the work decorating unit bodily in a plane extending normal to the direction of the first-named plane, driving means carried by said frame, and mechanism interposed between the driving mechanism and the decorating unit to drive said unit in any of its various positions.

4. A work decorating machine, having a frame provided with a substantially horizontally extending work supporting surface, a carriage, a work decorating unit, having a sliding connection with said carriage to enable the unit tobe moved to and from the work supporting surface, said decorating unit including a printing mechanism, a support for said carriage having a pivotal connection with said frame and a pivotal connection with said carriage, and carriage supporting means permitting movement of the work decorating unit bodily in a plane substantially parallel with said work supporting surface, driving means carried by said frame and mechanism interposed between the driving mechanism and the decorating unit to drive said unit in any of its various positions.

5. A work decorating machine having a frame provided with a planular surface to movably support a workpiece, a work decorating unit adapted and arranged to transfer a design in color to the work, a supporting member therefor, a connection between the frame and the supporting member arranged and adapted to permit movement of the decorating unit in any direction in a plane parallel with the plane of said surface, and connections between the decorating unit and the support to permit movement of the decorating unit in any direction in a plane extending normal to the first-named plane.

6. A work decorating machine having a frame provided with work supporting surface, a support pivotally mounted on said frame and overhanging said surface, a carriage slidably mounted on said support for movement in one direction relative to the support and pivotally connected thereto for movement about an axis extending in a di- 

